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Mei Lanfang's American Journey
Reimagining Transpacific Cultural Exchanges
Introduction
This groundbreaking study examines Peking Opera legend Mei Lanfang’s 1930 U.S. visit through extensive primary sources and a cross-cultural lens. It meticulously chronicles his 76 performances over 182 days, reconstructing his daily itinerary, highlighting key events, and estimating box office revenues.
Sources and Insights
Drawing on over 1,000 local newspaper reports from 34 states and territories, as well as diaries, memoirs, archival records, and advertisements, this book offers fresh insights into U.S.-China cultural exchange nearly a century ago—a topic with enduring contemporary relevance.
Methodology
Employing a mixed-methods approach, it integrates grounded theory, abductive reasoning, and the theory of para-text to deliver a rigorous and innovative analysis.
Theoretical Contributions
As both a theoretical contribution and an analytical framework, the book reimagines transpacific cultural exchange, systematically exploring Peking Opera diplomacy, which involves non-governmental individuals and collectives engaged in cultural, artistic, commercial, and educational interactions.
Inculturation and Localization
Furthermore, it delves into inculturation, examining how Mei Lanfang’s visit contributed to the localization of Chinese culture in America, fostering cultural accommodation, adaptation, and integration.
Marginalization Studies
Finally, it introduces the theory of marginalization studies, shedding light on the peripheral figures and events that played a crucial role in Mei’s visit.
Conclusion
By combining rigorous analysis with innovative theoretical perspectives, this book reinterprets and reimages the significance of Mei Lanfang’s visit, offering an essential resource for scholars and anyone interested in modern Chinese history, transpacific studies, cultural diplomacy, and U.S.-China relations.
